THE KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL
CRAFT CERTIFICATE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
MODULE I
INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
November 2022
Time: 3 hours
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES:
This paper consists of TWO sections, A and B.
Answer ALL the questions in section A and any FOUR from section B in the answer booklet provided.
Candidates should answer the questions in English.
This paper consists of 4 printed pages.
Candidates should check the question paper to ascertain that all the pages are printed as indicated and that no questions are missing.
© 2022 The Kenya National Examinations Council
Section A (40 marks)
Answer ALL the questions in this section.
Outline four factors to consider when selecting a computer software. (4 marks)
Compatibility with the existing hardware and operating system.
Cost of the software including licensing fees.
User-friendliness and ease of use.
Availability of customer support and updates.
A computer technician tripped on the computer cables together at the back of a computer. Explain two reasons for this action. (4 marks)
To organize the cables and reduce clutter.
To prevent accidental disconnections and potential hazards.
Outline four characteristics of a mesh computer network topology. (4 marks)
High reliability due to multiple paths for data transmission.
Each node is directly connected to every other node.
Offers robust fault tolerance.
Complex installation and configuration.
Differentiate between local and dedicated data processing modes. (4 marks)
Local Data Processing: Data is processed on the local device without relying on external servers.
Dedicated Data Processing: Data is processed by a dedicated server or specific hardware designed for the task.
John preferred to use a DVD to store his music. Explain two reasons for this preference. (4 marks)
Large storage capacity compared to CDs.
Durability and longer lifespan of DVDs.
Masosa College integrated Information Communication Technology in learning. Explain two negative effects this method has had to the students. (4 marks)
Increased distractions from non-educational online content.
Potential for reduced face-to-face interaction and social skills development.
Explain the two advantages of a flash disk as a storage media. (4 marks)
Portability and ease of use.
High speed and reliability for data transfer.
Outline four disadvantages of magnetic tapes as a computer storage device. (4 marks)
Slow data access speed compared to modern storage devices.
Susceptible to data degradation over time.
Requires sequential access, making data retrieval time-consuming.
Bulky and less convenient for frequent data access.
Mary used a coaxial cable to set up a computer network. Explain two characteristics of this cable. (4 marks)
Good resistance to electromagnetic interference.
Supports high bandwidth for data transmission.
Using an example in each case, outline two categories of keys on a typical computer keyboard. (4 marks)
Function Keys: e.g., F1, F2, used for specific functions like help or renaming files.
Alphanumeric Keys: e.g., letters and numbers used for general typing.
Section B (60 marks)
Answer FOUR questions in this section.
(a) Describe each of the following types of computers:
(i) super computer. (2 marks)
A supercomputer is a highly advanced computing machine used for complex calculations and large-scale simulations, often used in scientific research.
(ii) digital. (2 marks)
A digital computer processes data in binary form, using discrete values such as 0s and 1s.
(iii) analog. (2 marks)
An analog computer processes data represented by continuous physical quantities such as electrical voltages.
(iv) special purpose. (2 marks)
A special-purpose computer is designed to perform specific tasks, such as calculators or embedded systems in cars.
(b) Alice connected her computer to an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). Explain three advantages of using this device. (6 marks)
Protects against power surges and outages.
Allows safe shutdown during power failure.
Maintains power supply during voltage fluctuations.
(c) Paul purchased a new Information Communication Technology Innovative (ICTI) device. State four benefits he would derive from this device. (4 marks)
Enhanced productivity and efficiency.
Access to advanced features and capabilities.
Improved connectivity and communication.
Reduction in operational costs.
(a) Describe three computer port types. (6 marks)
USB Port: Common for connecting peripherals like keyboards and flash drives.
HDMI Port: Used for transmitting audio and video signals.
Ethernet Port: Used for wired network connections.
(b) Figure 1 shows a component connected to a networking cable. Use it to answer the questions that follow.
(i) Identify the component. (1 mark)
Coaxial Cable.
(ii) State four devices that could be connected to a computer using the component identified. (4 marks)
Modem, Television, Router, Cable Box.
(c) Explain two file organization methods used in storing records. (4 marks)
Sequential File Organization: Records are stored in a specific order, usually sorted by key fields.
Random File Organization: Records are stored in no specific order, allowing quick access.
(a) Explain the file organization method. (2 marks)
File organization determines how records are stored, accessed, and managed on storage media.
(b) Outline two challenges of this organization method. (2 marks)
Sequential access can be slow and inefficient for large datasets.
Data retrieval may require reading through irrelevant data.
(c) Define the term data processing. (2 marks)
Data processing is the collection, manipulation, and interpretation of data to generate meaningful information.
(d) Describe each of the following terms as used in data hierarchy:
(i) byte (2 marks)
A byte consists of 8 bits and represents a single character of data.
(ii) record (2 marks)
A record is a collection of related fields that store data about a single entity.
(e) Differentiate between magnetic ink card reader and bar code readers. (2 marks)
Magnetic Ink Card Reader: Reads data encoded with magnetic ink characters, commonly used in banking.
Bar Code Reader: Scans barcodes using light sensors, commonly used in retail.
(a) A company intends to connect all its computers that are located within the same building.
(i) Identify the most appropriate type of network it could implement. (1 mark)
Local Area Network (LAN).
(ii) Explain two benefits of the network identified in (i). (4 marks)
Improved file sharing and communication within the organization.
Centralized management and security of resources.
(b) Outline five characteristics of 2nd generation computers. (5 marks)
Transistor-based technology, smaller and faster than first-generation.
Improved reliability and reduced heat production.
Introduction of high-level programming languages.
More energy-efficient and less prone to errors.
Used magnetic core memory.
(c) Describe two basic items that are used in computers. (4 marks)
Processor (CPU): Executes instructions and processes data.
Memory (RAM): Temporarily stores data for quick access.
(a) Identify two items that are labeled by a computer virus. Outline four symptoms that show the laptop contains threats. (6 marks)
Items Labeled: Files, System Folders.
Symptoms: Slow performance, unexpected pop-ups, frequent crashes, unauthorized data access.
(b) List five types of computer threats. (5 marks)
Viruses, Worms, Spyware, Ransomware, Phishing.
(c) Western Retail Ltd. installed an impact printer for their use. Outline three functions of an impact printer. (3 marks)
Prints multi-part forms through impact.
Used for printing invoices and receipts.
Handles high-volume printing tasks efficiently.
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1920101
INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
March/April 2023
Time: 3 hours
THE KENYA NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL
CRAFT CERTIFICATE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
MODULE I
INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
3 hours
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
This paper consists of TWO sections: A and B.
Answer ALL the questions in section A and any FOUR from section B in the answer booklet provided. Candidates should answer the questions in English.
This paper consists of 4 printed pages.
Candidates should check the question paper to ascertain that all the pages are printed as indicated and that no questions are missing.
© 2023 The Kenya National Examinations Council
Turn over
SECTION A (40 Marks)
Answer ALL the questions in this section.
1. Outline two characteristics of third-generation computers.
(2 marks)
Answer:
They used integrated circuits (ICs) instead of transistors.
They were smaller in size, more reliable, and more efficient.
2. Explain two challenges experienced when using computers for teaching in developing world.
(2 marks)
Answer:
High costs of acquiring and maintaining computers.
Lack of skilled personnel to operate and maintain the computers.
3. Outline two uses of social media to the health sector.
(2 marks)
Answer:
Facilitating communication between patients and healthcare providers.
Promoting public health awareness campaigns.
4. A college administrator intends to buy computer accessories. Outline four considerations the administrator should make before buying.
(4 marks)
Answer:
Compatibility with existing systems.
Cost and budget constraints.
Quality and durability of the accessories.
Vendor reputation and after-sales support.
5. State three health problems to a user caused by poor lighting in a computer room.
(3 marks)
Answer:
Eye strain and fatigue.
Headaches.
Blurred vision.
6. Distinguish between purchased software and trans-programmed software as used in computing.
(4 marks)
Answer:
Purchased Software: Software that is bought off-the-shelf from vendors and ready to use.
Trans-Programmed Software: Software that is custom-developed to meet specific user requirements.
7. John, an ICT technician, intends to set up a computer network in the firm’s offices with a computer and shared printer for all the offices. Describe the appropriate type of topology that should be used. State the details and components that would be required.
(6 marks)
Answer:
Topology: Star Topology.
Components: Central hub or switch, network cables, network interface cards (NICs), and the printer.
8. State four types of computer viruses.
(4 marks)
Answer:
Boot sector virus
Worms
Trojans
Macro viruses
9. State two symptoms exhibited by a computer infected with a virus.
(2 marks)
Answer:
Slowed down performance.
Frequent crashes or errors.
10. Outline two negative impacts of Information Communication Technology to the society.
(2 marks)
Answer:
Job losses due to automation.
Increased cybersecurity threats.
SECTION B (60 Marks)
Answer any FOUR questions from this section.
11. (a) Explain each of the following terms as used in computer software:
(i) Portability;
(ii) Compatibility;
(iii) Usability.
(6 marks)
Answer:
Portability: The ability of software to run on different platforms and environments with little or no modification.
Compatibility: The ability of software to work with other software, systems, or hardware without conflicts.
Usability: The ease with which users can learn to operate and use the software effectively.
(b) An organization implemented a computerized system and employees resisted the change. Outline the strategies that could have been used to ensure smooth change management during the implementation process.
(8 marks)
Answer:
Involve employees early in the planning process.
Provide adequate training and support.
Communicate the benefits of the new system.
Implement the change in phases to reduce resistance.
(c) With the aid of a diagram, describe the functional organization of a computer system.
(6 marks)
Answer:
The diagram should illustrate components such as the CPU, memory, input/output devices, and storage, showing how data flows between them.
12. (a) Explain two benefits of intranet to an organization.
(4 marks)
Answer:
Enhances internal communication and collaboration.
Provides a centralized platform for accessing company resources and information.
(b) Distinguish between analog and digital computers.
(4 marks)
Answer:
Analog Computers: Process continuous data and are used for tasks such as measuring temperature.
Digital Computers: Process discrete data using binary code and are used for general-purpose computing.
(c) Explain the term internet browser giving two examples.
(4 marks)
Answer:
An internet browser is software that allows users to access and navigate the internet.
Examples include Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
(d) Differentiate between serial processing and parallel processing.
(4 marks)
Answer:
Serial Processing: Tasks are completed one after another in a sequence.
Parallel Processing: Multiple tasks are processed simultaneously.
(e) Explain two circumstances that call for outsourcing an organization’s ICT needs.
(4 marks)
Answer:
When there is a lack of in-house expertise.
To reduce operational costs.
13. (a) Describe three activities of a computer file.
(6 marks)
Answer:
Creating a file
Reading or opening a file
Modifying or updating a file
(b) Differentiate distributed data processing from centralized data processing.
(4 marks)
Answer:
Distributed Data Processing: Data processing is spread across multiple locations.
Centralized Data Processing: Data processing is managed from a single central location.
(c) Explain the term internet browser giving two examples.
(4 marks)
Answer:
A software application that enables users to view and interact with content on the internet.
Examples: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge.
(d) Towards Company has closed computing technology for its data storage. Outline four advantages of using this technology.
(6 marks)
Answer:
Scalable storage solutions.
Enhanced data security.
Access from any location with internet connectivity.
Cost-effective in terms of infrastructure and maintenance.
14. Write in aid of an example in each case, describe three data transmission modes.
(6 marks)
Answer:
Simplex: Data flows in one direction only. Example: Keyboard to computer.
Half-Duplex: Data flows in both directions but not simultaneously. Example: Walkie-talkies.
Full-Duplex: Data flows in both directions simultaneously. Example: Telephone communication.
15. (a) State two types of magnetic scanners.
(2 marks)
Answer:
Optical Magnetic Scanner.
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR).
(b) Describe the categorization of printers.
(2 marks)
Answer:
Impact Printers: Work by striking a ribbon onto the paper (e.g., Dot matrix printers).
Non-Impact Printers: Use methods like laser or inkjet to produce images (e.g., Laser printers).
(c) VistaCom Legal installed a computer that uses serial file organization method for its data storage. Explain three disadvantages of this method.
(6 marks)
Answer:
Slow access time since files are accessed sequentially.
Inefficient for large datasets.
Difficult to update as all records must be processed to make changes.
(d) Thomas has been experiencing virus attacks on his personal computer. Outline three adjustments that he needs to make to his work station to minimize the problem.
(6 marks)
Answer:
Install and regularly update antivirus software.
Avoid downloading and opening files from unknown sources.
Regularly back up important data.
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